Medical Summary
The health risk information presented here is summarized from Shoreland Travax®, a decision-support tool used by health care providers to perform a detailed health risk analysis based on specific locations, individual travel styles, and traveler risk behaviors. Travax provides practitioners current, independently researched malaria risk and prevention recommendations in a map-based format that goes beyond the annual WHO and US CDC statements included here. Not included here are current reports from Travax of disease outbreaks or environmental events that may pose elevated risks to travelers’ health and safety. The Providers section of this site offers a directory of health care providers who utilize Shoreland Travax for travel health counseling. Learn more about the detailed reports and maps available from these practitioners (includes links to samples).
General Information
Tunisia is a developing nation classified as lower middle income. Located in northern Africa along the Mediterranean Sea (north of Libya and Algeria), the climate classifications range from dry (arid) in the south to dry summer in the north.
Vaccinations
Depending on your itinerary, your personal risk factors, and the length of your visit, your health care provider may offer you vaccination against COVID-19, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, influenza, measles, mumps, rubella, rabies, or typhoid fever. Routine immunizations, such as those that prevent tetanus/diphtheria or "childhood" diseases, should be reviewed and updated as needed.
Malaria
See also: Library article for Malaria
The following is current information as reported by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC):
WHO—International Travel and Health (current online update, Country List)
No statement given.CDC—Health Information for International Travel (current online edition)
Areas with malaria: None.
Drug resistance: Not applicable.
Other Concerns
Travelers' Diarrhea
See also: Library article for Travelers' Diarrhea
Moderate risk exists throughout the country, including in deluxe accommodations. Community sanitation and food safety measures may be inadequate. Some itineraries (e.g., remote destinations, austere accommodations) and activities (e.g., ecotourism, eating street or local-market food) further increase risk.
Travelers should observe food and beverage precautions, which reduce the likelihood of illness.
Travelers should carry loperamide for self-treatment of diarrhea and, if risk is moderate to high, an antibiotic to add if diarrhea is severe. Consult a knowledgeable health care provider regarding which antibiotic is appropriate for you and most effective for your destination.
Other Food-Borne Illnesses
Precautions to prevent brucellosis may be needed.
Insect- and Arthropod-Borne Diseases
Leishmaniasis, murine typhus, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, West Nile virus may pose a risk. Personal protective measures are important.
Other Disease and Health Risks
Additional concerns include Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, hepatitis C, leptospirosis, marine hazards, schistosomiasis, snakebites, tuberculosis.
Consular Advice
The material below includes information from the US Department of State (DOS), the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCO), Global Affairs Canada (GAC), and Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), as well as from additional open-source material. Standard safety precautions that apply to all international travel can be found in the Library article Safety and Security.
Consular Travel Advice
Due to terrorism and military conflict, Australia (DFAT) advises avoiding travel: within 30 km (19 mi) of the border with Algeria; within 40 km (25 mi) of the border area with Libya (north of Dheiba) (including the town of Ben Guerdane); to areas south of the towns of El Borma and Dhehiba; and to Kasserine Governorate (including Mount Chaambi National Park, Mount Salloum, Mount Sammamma, Mount Mghila, and Mount Orbata). Australia also advises reconsidering travel (or avoiding nonessential travel) to areas south of and including the towns of Nefta, Douz, Medenine, and Zarzis; and to El Kef, Jendouba, and Sidi Bouzid governates. US (DOS), UK (FCO), and Canada (GAC) have more limited warnings.
A state of emergency suspending many individual liberties is in place due to the threat of terrorism. Travelers should maintain a high level of security awareness, carry a fully charged communication device, follow the advice of local authorities, and monitor the situation through local media and embassy communications.
Terrorism Risk
High risk of attack by transnational terrorist groups exists throughout the country, especially in Tunis. Targets may include domestic and international organizations and businesses; public places and events, including those frequented by tourists; and transportation systems.
In 2019, attacks occurred in areas frequented by tourists.
High risk of kidnapping by terrorist groups exists throughout the country, especially in Mount Chaambi National Park (Kasserine Governorate), areas bordering Algeria and Libya, and the mountainous northern half of the country. Targets may include foreigners (especially Westerners), journalists, nongovernmental organization workers, missionaries, and aid workers.
Crime
Moderate risk of violent crime (armed robbery) exists throughout the country, including upscale neighborhoods.
Moderate risk of petty crime exists throughout the country, especially in areas frequented by tourists. Theft of valuables from unattended vehicles and accommodations is common.
Theft of valuables by criminals in passing vehicles is common.
Scams involving false befriending have been reported.
Civil Unrest
Protests and demonstrations frequently occur throughout the country, especially in Tunis and southern areas of the country, and have the potential to turn violent without warning. Bystanders are at risk of harm from violence or from the response by authorities. Disruption to transportation, free movement, or the ability to carry out daily activities may occur.
Unsafe Areas
A dangerous security environment and military presence exist in areas bordering Algeria and Libya, including Mount Chaambi National Park.
Outdoor Safety
Desert excursions should only be undertaken with organized groups and experienced guides. Participants should inform someone not on the tour of their itinerary and anticipated return time. An adequate supply of food and water for extended unforeseen delays is essential.
Transportation Safety
High risk of traffic-related injury or death exists. The road traffic death rate is 12 to 24 per 100,000 population. The rate is less than 10 in most high-income countries.
Speed laws are poorly enforced.
Seat belt laws are poorly enforced.
Drunk driving laws are poorly enforced.
Structural standards for vehicles may not meet international standards.
Natural Disasters
Sandstorms and dust storms frequently occur.
Seismic activity frequently occurs.
Consular Information
Selected Embassies or Consulates in Tunisia
- United States: [+216] 71-107-000; tn.usembassy.gov
- Canada: [+216] 70-010-200; www.canadainternational.gc.ca/tunisia-tunisie
- United Kingdom: [+216] 71-108-700; www.gov.uk/world/organisations/british-embassy-tunis
- Australia: Australia does not have an embassy or consulate in Tunisia.
Tunisia's Embassies or Consulates in Selected Countries
- In the U.S.: www.tunisianembassy.org
- In Canada: [+1] 613-237-0330
- In the U.K.: www.diplomatie.gov.tn/en/nc/mission/etranger/ambassade-de-tunisie-a-londres-royaume-uni
- In Australia: [+61] 02-9521-7444
Visa/HIV Testing
HIV testing may be required to obtain a work or residence visa.
